Manny Pacquiao, boxing legend, announces retirement

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is officially leaving the boxing ring for good. The Filipino boxing icon who is the only one holding world titles in 8 divisions announced his retirement. At 42 years old, Pacquiao retired to focus more on politics.

The Philippines senator and eight-division world champion announced his retirement on Wednesday.

In his verified Facebook account, his team released a 14-minute, 20-second video. Pacquiao said, “As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing. It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement.”

Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from boxing.

🔺 Only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades
🔺 Only boxer to win a title in eight different weight classes
🔺 25-7-2 (11 KOs) against former or current world champions

What a career 👏 pic.twitter.com/2n8YcP2Qbx

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 29, 2021

While Pacquiao has been a senator in the Philippines since 2016, he also announced last week his presidential candidacy for 2022. “PacMan” last fight in Aug. 21was after his two-year layoff. This fight ended in a decision loss to WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas.

Pacquiao ended his 26-years in boxing with a 72-fight career. He gathered 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws. Out of those 62 wins, knockouts are 39 and 23 are decisions. He also holds 12 world titles and is the only boxer in history to win in eight different widget classes.

The boxing legend said in a video, “Thank you for changing my life, when my family was desperate, you gave us hope, you gave me the chance to fight my way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you, I was given the courage to change more lives. I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life that I can’t imagine. I just heard the final bell. The boxing is over.”

Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from boxing 🇵🇭

Pound-for-pound, one of the greatest to ever step in the ring. pic.twitter.com/Vb8eeMOsKs

— ESPN (@espn) September 29, 2021

It wasn’t an overnight success for Pacquiao to become a boxing sensation. Credits to his explosive style, he became the legend that he is now. Despite gaining weight, he still impressively maintained his speed and power.

Although Pacquiao has had retirement hints recently, it’s already expected as he is preparing to battle in a bigger political arena.

His legendary boxing career and rags-to-riches story lifted the spirits and brought honor to his country, the Philippines. While he promised to combat poverty, he also warned the end of the corrupt politicians.

He started his professional boxing debut as a junior flyweight in 1995. He was just 16 years old when he left his home in Southern Philippines. With his dream of leaving his way out of poverty, he stowed away on a ship to Manila and became one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.